Applicator device for applying an application agent to hair

ABSTRACT

The invention starts out from an applicator for applying at least one application medium ( 10   a   ; 10   b   ; 10   c   , 52   c ) to hair, with a separation unit ( 11   a   ; 11 Ib;  11   c ), which forms at least two application gaps ( 12   a   , 13   a   , 14   a   , 15   a   , 16   a   ; 13   b   ; 12   c   , 13   c   , 14   c   , 15   c   , 16   c ) that are provided for receiving some of the hairs for application of the application medium ( 10   a   ; 10   b   ; 10   c   , 52   c ). It is proposed that at least one of the application gaps ( 12   a   , 13   a   , 14   a   , 15   a   , 16   a;    13   b   ; 12   c   , 13   c   , 14   c   , 15   c   , 16   c ) has an opening width that is smaller, at least by a factor of 10, than a distance between the application gaps ( 12   a   , 13   a   , 14   a   , 15   a   , 16   a   ; 13   b   ; 12   c   , 13   c   , 14   c   , 15   c   , 16   c ).

PRIOR ART

The invention is directed to an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair according to the preamble of claim 1.

The problem addressed by the invention, in particular, is that of providing a device with which one or more application media, such as a dye, a tint, glitter or other cosmetic or medical application media, can be applied to hair in a distributed manner similar to streaking, in order to advantageously avoid, in particular, an unnaturally uniform coloration of hair, in particular of entire hair strands, and which is advantageously easy to use. This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and the independent claims. Further embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair, comprising a separation unit, which forms at least two application gaps, which are provided for receiving some of the hairs for application of the application agent.

It is provided that at least one of the application gaps has an opening width that is smaller, at least by a factor of 10, than a distance between the application gaps. It is therefore possible to greatly reduce a portion of the hairs onto which the application agent is applied in a single pass of the applicator device and, in particular, to advantageously prevent an unnaturally uniform coloration of hair, in particular of entire hair strands. By way of a repeated application in particular, it is therefore possible to obtain a blended coloration of hair, thereby providing the hair with a natural color image. A device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to obtain an embodiment with which a particularly advantageous treatment of hair using an applicator is achieved. Advantageously, the opening width is smaller than the distance between the application gaps by a factor of 15 and, particularly advantageously, by a factor of 20.

An application agent is understood to be a fluid, pasty or powdered agent intended for application on hair, in particular such as a hair dye, a hair treatment agent, hair gloss, dispersions, a structure-changing agent and/or a pharmaceutical hair treatment agent. The application agent can basically be designed as a single-component agent or a multiple-component agent. A “single-component agent” is intended to mean an agent stored in a application-agent container in a ready-for-use manner. A “multiple-component agent” is intended to mean, in particular, an agent in which at least one component is added to another before an application, in particular an agent that comprises two separately stored components that are intended to be mixed with one another for an application.

An “application gap” is intended to mean, in particular, a space between two separating elements that is intended to receive hair onto which the application agent is applied. An “opening width” of an application gap is intended to mean, in particular, a width of the application gap that is effective for capturing hairs, in particular an opening width in the region of a head line of the application gap. For the formation of the application gap, the separation unit preferably comprises separating elements, each of which has at least one, or preferably two tips, which define the tines of the comb-like structure. A virtual connecting line, which connects every two adjacent tips with one another, is referred to in the following as the “head line”. A “distance” between the two application gaps is intended to mean, in particular, a distance between two outer flanks of the application gap.

It is further provided that the opening width of the at least one application gap is intended for separating hairs. It is thereby possible to attain a particular advantageous natural coloring. The expression “separation of hairs” is intended to mean, in particular, that in a single use on hair provided with the application agent, at least 10, preferably 20 hairs are left untreated. Several uses can result in a greater portion of hair being provided with the application agent, of course.

The separation unit preferably has a comb-like structure having at least one bypass space, which is provided for guiding some of the hairs past at least one of the application gaps. As a result, hairs that should remain untreated are advantageously guided past the application gaps. A “bypass space” is intended to mean, in particular, a space between the two tips of a separation element, in which the separation element has a recess relative to the head line.

It is further provided that at least one of the application gaps has an application size that is smaller than a bypass size of the at least one bypass space by a factor of 2. It is thereby possible to advantageously minimize the total number of hairs that are provided with the application agent, thereby making it possible to attain the blended coloring in a particularly easy manner. It is basically feasible that not all of the hairs introduced into the application gap are provided with the application agent. An “application size” is therefore intended to mean, in particular, a size dimension for the number of hairs onto which the application agent is applied. The application size is preferably designed as a cross-sectional area that is provided for contact of hairs with the application agent. Similarly with respect to the application size, a “bypass size” is intended to mean a cross-sectional area that is provided for guiding hairs past the at least one application gap. The cross-sectional area that forms the application size or the bypass size is preferably spanned by the head line and the separating elements of the separation unit, i.e. by the virtual head line and a material of the separation unit that forms the adjacent tips.

The expression “smaller at least by a factor of 2” is intended to mean that a number of hairs guided through the separation unit, which are provided with the application agent in a single pass of the applicator device, is less, at least by a factor of 2, than the number of hairs that remain untreated, i.e. that of hair provided with the application agent at least 2 hairs remain untreated. The expression “hairs guided through the separation unit” is intended to mean, in particular, hairs that are disposed in a space between the material of the separation unit and the head line, i.e. the hairs that are introduced into the application gap or the bypass space. The application size is preferably smaller than the bypass size by at least a factor of 3 and particularly preferably at least by a factor of 4.

It is also advantageous when the opening width of the at least one application gap is smaller than an opening width of the at least one bypass space at least by a factor of 10. The separation of the hairs can therefore be achieved in a particularly effective manner. The at least one application gap preferably has an opening width that is smaller than the opening width of the at least one bypass space at least by a factor of 15. Particularly preferably, the opening width of the at least one application gap is smaller than the opening width of the at least one bypass space by a factor of 20.

It is further provided that at least one of the application gaps has a gap width, in at least one subregion, that is smaller than a barrier width beyond which the application agent is prevented from emerging. As a result, a continuous, unwanted emergence of application agent is prevented, and so the applicator device is particularly easy to operate. In particular, it can thereby be prevented that excess application agent is applied to a scalp, and so stress on the scalp can be advantageously lowered and, in particular, reduced nearly to zero. A “gap width” is intended to mean, in particular, a distance between the tips that define the corresponding application gap and, particularly preferably, a mean gap width. The expression “a mean gap width” is intended to mean, in particular, a mean value of values at which a width of the application gap parallel to the head line was determined. Similarly, the expression “width of the bypass space” is intended to mean, in particular, a distance between the tips that define the corresponding bypass space, wherein a mean width is also particularly advantageous here. A “barrier width” is understood to mean, in particular, a maximum width that a gap having a constant gap can have without the application agent emerging through the gap under a pressure that corresponds to a liquid column of the application agent having a height of 5 centimeters. The barrier width therefore depends, in particular, on properties of the application agent, for example such as an adhesive force, a cohesive force, frictional forces, capillary forces and/or a flow resistance. It therefore has a width that is adapted to the application agent that is used. The application gap can therefore have different gap widths depending on the application agent that is used. It is also feasible, in principle, to provide the separation device with an adjusting unit for adjusting the gap width and/or the opening width of the application gap.

It is also feasible to change the surface of the separating elements, in particular flanks of the separating elements that form the application gap, for example by coating, vapor-depositing or roughening. As a result, a molecular bond between the application agent and the housing unit can be changed, thereby also making it possible to change the barrier width, i.e. the gap width beyond which application agent is prevented from emerging.

Particularly preferably, the gap width is less than 1.0 millimeter, wherein a gap width of less than 0.7 millimeter is advantageous and a gap width of less than 0.5 millimeter is particularly advantageous.

Furthermore, an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair is provided, which comprises a separation unit that has at least two separating elements that form at least one application gap provided for receiving hairs for the application of the application agent, and comprising at least one application volume enclosed at least partially by at least one of the separating elements, said application volume being provided for receiving at least some of the hairs introduced into the application gap. As a result, the application agent can be applied to the hairs particularly easily and reliably, in particular when the application gap of the separation unit has a gap width that is very small. By way of such an embodiment, the application device can be provided particularly advantageously for applying the application agent to individual hairs, thereby making it possible to advantageously prevent an unnaturally uniform coloration, in particular, of a large number of hairs, in particular entire hair strands.

The expression “application gap disposed between two separating elements” is intended to mean, in particular, a gap between two adjacently disposed separating elements that are separated from one another. An “application volume” is intended to mean, in particular, a volume for receiving and storing the application agent. A “separating element” is intended to mean, in particular, an element of the separation unit that is provided for bringing the hairs introduced into the separation unit into the at least one application gap or to guide them past the application gap. The expression “one application volume enclosed at least partially by at least one of the separating elements” is intended to mean, in particular, that at least one of the separating elements has an inner contour that forms a wall for the application volume. The separating elements preferably span the application volume at least partially, and therefore the hairs, upon being introduced into the application gap, enter the application volume in which the application agent is stored and are wetted. The application volume preferably has a size of at least one milliliter. “Provided” is intended to mean, in particular, specially equipped and/or designed.

Preferably the application volume and the at least one application gap transition into one another at least in one subregion. It is thereby possible to obtain a particularly advantageous embodiment for applying the application agent to the hairs. The expression “transition” is intended to mean, in particular, that at least one portion of the volume spanned by the separating elements can be assigned to the application gap and to the application volume.

It is further provided that the applicator device comprises at least one further separating element and at least one further application gap, which transitions into the application volumen in at least one subregion. A particularly advantageous treatment of individual hairs can be achieved as a result, thereby making it possible to reduce the amount of time required to apply the application agent without resulting in an unnatural color image.

It is also advantageous when the applicator device comprises a depot volume that is connected to the application volume. It is therefore possible to introduce a particularly advantageous quantity of the application agent into the applicator device, thereby making it possible to achieve a particularly reliable supply of the application gap while simultaneously preventing the application agent from emerging in an unwanted manner.

It is also advantageous when the applicator device comprises a substantially dimensionally stable housing unit, which is provided for preventing a excess pressure of the application agent at least during use. The situation can therefore be prevented in which too much application agent emerges during handling due to a excess pressure, thereby ensuring that the hairs can be wetted uniformly while simultaneously preventing the application agent from being applied to the scalp. The expression “prevent” is intended to mean, in particular, that, during normal handling of the applicator device, i.e. when the housing unit is gripped by an operator, the housing unit is at least so dimensionally stable that the application agent is prevented from emerging from the application gaps. Preferably, the housing unit is at least partially rigid. The expression “rigid” is intended to mean, in particular, that an application of force onto the housing unit that is intended to reduce the application volume or depot volume enclosed by the housing unit by at least 10 percent results in the destruction of the housing unit.

It is further provided that the application device comprises a separating unit, which is intended to at least partially decouple the application volume from the depot volume with respect to flow. It is thereby possible to prevent the application agent stored in the application volume from flowing back into the depot volume, thereby making it possible to at least largely ensure adequate filling of the application volume. The applicator device can therefore be used at least largely independent of orientation, i.e. even after a portion of the application agent has been used, the applicator device can also be used in a tilted state.

In an advantageous development, the applicator device also comprises a pump unit having at least one pump element that is freely movable within the depot volume, the pump unit being provided to at least partially support a filling of the application volume with the application agent. It is thereby possible to attain a particularly advantageous filling of the application volume. Basically, the pump unit can also be intended to excite the application agent to vibrate, wherein an embodiment having a head surface intended to cause the housing unit to vibrate is advantageous.

The pump unit is preferably provided to induce the application agent to undergo turbulent flow and/or vibration within the depot volume, thereby making it possible to advantageously mix the application agent, in particular when the application agent is designed as a multiple-component agent, and the turbulent flow makes it possible to easily achieve a pump effect for filling the application agent. The pump element of the pump unit is preferably spherical. Other pump units are basically feasible, however. It is feasible, in particular, to movably connect the pump element to the housing unit, for example in the form of a pendulum that is provided to swing within the depot volume. In a further embodiment it is feasible that the pump unit is intended only to cause the housing unit to swing or vibrate. A “pump unit” is intended to mean an applicator device that is provided to induce turbulence, a laminar flow and/or a pressure change of the application agent in the depot volume.

If the pump unit is actuated manually, it is advantageously possible to omit a costly energy supply unit, thereby making it possible to obtain a particularly low-cost applicator device. Alternatively, an active pump unit such as an electric pump unit is also feasible.

It is also provided that the applicator device comprises a refilling opening and a closing element that is provided to close the refilling opening. As a result, the applicator device can be used at least partially several times, thereby making it possible to lower costs for a user and, therefore, increase customer acceptance.

Furthermore, an applicator device for applying an application agent to hair is provided, which comprises a separation unit that has at least two separating elements that form at least one application gap provided for receiving hairs for the application of the application agent, in which the application gap has a gap width, at least in one subregion, that is smaller than 1.0 millimeter, thereby making it possible to greatly reduce the portion of hairs onto which the application agent is applied in a single pass of the applicator device and therefore advantageously prevent an unnatural uniform coloring of hairs, in particular of entire hair strands. Preferably, the mean gap width is less than 0.7 millimeter and, particularly preferably, less than 0.5 millimeter.

In addition, a method for applying an application agent to hair is provided, in which an application agent is applied to some of the hairs as the hairs pass through a separation unit, and in which some of the hairs are guided past the application gap, in particular a method having an applicator device according to the invention, wherein the application agent is applied to one of five hairs at most.

In addition, a method for applying an application agent to hairs is provided, in which an application agent is applied to some of the hairs as the hairs pass through at least one application gap of a separation unit, in particular comprising an applicator device according to the invention, in which the hairs at least partially enter an application volume during passage through the application gap.

DRAWINGS

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will also advantageously consider the features individually and combine them to form further reasonable combinations.

Shown are:

FIG. 1 a cross section of an applicator device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 the applicator device depicted in FIG. 1, in a top view,

FIG. 3 an alternative embodiment of an applicator device,

FIG. 4 an applicator device according to the invention for the simultaneous application of different application agents and

FIG. 5 the applicator device depicted in FIG. 5, in a cross-sectional view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show an applicator device according to the invention for applying an application agent 10 a to hair. The applicator device is intended for private use and professional use. By way of the applicator device it is possible to apply a plurality of different application agents 10 a to hair, such as hair dye, hair treatment agents, hair gloss, dispersions, structure-changing agents and/or pharmaceutical hair treatment agents, for example. The applicator device is intended for use on human head hair in particular. In the present application, the application agent is in the form of a hair dye, wherein a hair dye is intended to mean all agents that are intended for changing a color of hair, such as hair-tinting agents in particular.

The applicator device is designed in particular as a hair dye applicator device, which is intended for creating a blended color image. By way of the applicator device, the application agent 10 a is statistically distributed on the hair, i.e. hairs provided entirely or partially with the application agent 10 a are disposed next to hairs provided entirely or partially with the application agent.

The applicator device has a usage direction 38 a, along which it is guided through the hair as the application agent 10 a is applied. The applicator device comprises a comb-like separation unit 11 a to ensure that only some of the hairs are provided with the application agent 10 a in one pass of the applicator device through the hair. The separation unit 11 a distributes the hairs that are introduced into the applicator device and are guided through the applicator device into a first portion onto which the application agent 10 a is applied, and into a second portion that should be left untreated.

The separation unit 11 a comprises a plurality of separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a. The separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a form the comb-like structure. The separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a have a main extension direction, which is oriented substantially parallel to the usage direction 38 a. The separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a are disposed next to one another along a transverse extension direction 39 a, which is oriented perpendicularly to the usage direction 38 a.

The two separating elements 23 a, 28 a are disposed outwardly. Both of the two outer separating elements 23 a, 28 a have one adjacently disposed separating element 24 a, 27 a. The remaining separating elements 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a are disposed in the center. They all have two adjacently disposed separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a.

Each of the central separating elements 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a has two rounded tips. The two tips of one of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a are disposed at a distance from one another. The tips of all the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a are disposed on a line along the transverse extension direction. Starting at one of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a, the tips of adjacent separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a are disposed at a distance from one another.

Each of the central separating elements 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a has two flanks. The flanks enclose an acute angle with the usage direction 38 a. The flanks extend almost parallel to the usage direction 38 a. Each of the flanks terminates at one of the two tips of the corresponding separating element.

In the arrangement of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a along the transverse extension direction 39 a, the flanks of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a are disposed opposite one another in pairs, i.e. the flank of one of the separating element 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a is disposed opposite the flank of the adjacently disposed separating element 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a. The opposing flanks of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a span a space in each case. The spaces spanned by the flanks disposed opposite one another in pairs form application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a. All the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a formed by the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a start at a common head line 40 a and terminate at a common baseline 41 a. The baseline 41 a and the head line 40 a extend perpendicularly to the usage direction 38 a. In principle, the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a can also start at different head lines and/or terminate at different head lines.

Furthermore, each of the central separating elements 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a forms a bypass space 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a. The tips of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a form a portion of the separation unit 11 a that is located furthest from the baseline 41 a relative to the usage direction 38 a. The bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a are formed as a region between the tips in which the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a have a recess directed in the direction of the baseline 41 a, starting at the head line 40 a on which the tips are disposed. The bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a are rounded in at least one cross-sectional plane. They have a semicircular-like shape. Basically, they can have another shape, however.

A depth of the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a is substantially less than a depth of the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a. The depth of the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a, i.e. an extension of the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a starting from the head line 40 a along the usage direction 38 a in the direction of the baseline 41 a, is greater than a corresponding extension of the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a.

The separation unit 11 a further comprises an underside 42 a and a top side 43 a. The underside 42 a and the top side 43 a converge at the head line 40 a at an acute angle. The underside 42 a is intended to be placed on a scalp. The top side 43 a faces away from the scalp during use. The separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a form a portion of the underside and the top side.

In this exemplary embodiment, the underside 42 a and the top side 43 a are curved, at least in subregions. The underside 42 a is convexly curved. The top side 43 a is concavely curved. Other embodiments, in particular of the underside 42 a, are also basically feasible.

The underside 42 a has a flatter curvature than the top side 43 a. For use, the underside 42 a is placed on the scalp. The application device is guided over the scalp by way of the underside 42 a. The underside 42 a therefore extends along the usage direction 38 a in at least one subregion. The preferred usage direction 38 a is established by a first subregion of the underside 42 a adjoining the tips. Basically a user can guide the applicator device along any direction that extends tangentially to the underside 42 a.

When hairs pass through the separation unit 11 a, the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a receive the first portion of the hairs onto which the application agent 10 a is intended to be applied. As hairs pass through the separation unit 11 a, the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a receive the second portion of the hairs, which is intended to remain untreated. The portion of the hairs that is received by the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a is greater at least by a factor of 5 than the portion of the hairs received by the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a.

The applicator device comprises an application volume 29 a for applying the application agent 10 a onto the hairs. The application volume 29 a is partially enclosed by the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a, i.e. the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a form a portion of a wall that delimits the application volume 29 a. The applicator device further comprises a housing unit 32 a, which forms further parts of a wall of the application volume 29 a. The housing unit 32 a, which forms the top side 43 a and the underside 42 a, is integral with the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a. The housing unit 32 a is made of a plastic. A material of which the housing unit 32 a is produced is transparent. A multiple-component design is also basically feasible.

In a cross-sectional plane that extends perpendicularly to the transverse extension direction 39 a, the housing unit 32 a has an inner contour 44 a, which follows an outer contour 45 a in the region of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a in particular. A wall thickness of the housing unit 32 a in the region of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a is less than the depth of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a.

Starting from the baseline 41 a, the housing unit 32 a has different wall thicknesses in the direction of the head line 40 a. The wall thickness is greatest in the region of the baseline 41 a and decreases continuously in the direction of the head line 40 a. A creepage distance, i.e. a distance that the application agent 10 a must travel in order to emerge from the corresponding application gap 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a, is therefore greater in the region of the head line 41 a than at an outer end of the subregion 30 a facing the head line 40 a. Due to the wall thickness that is greater compared to the head line 40 a, the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a exert a back pressure on the application agent 10 a in the region of the head line 41 a that is greater compared to the outer end of the subregion 30 a.

The inner contour 44 a is curved in the region of the application volume 29 a. A portion of the inner contour 44 a, which, jointly with the underside 42 a, delimits a lower portion of the housing unit 32 a, is concavely curved. A portion of the inner contour 44 a, which, together with the top side 43 a, delimits an upper portion of the housing unit, is convexly curved. The convexly curved portion of the inner contour 44 a has a greater curvature than the concavely curved portion of the inner contour 44 a. The application volume 29 a has a cross section that has a continuously decreasing height in the direction of the head line 40 a starting from the baseline 41 a.

The application volume 29 a extends through all central separating elements 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a. The outer separating elements form a lateral wall of the application volume 29 a. The flanks of the separating elements 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a have a triangular structure. Starting from the tips, each of the flanks has an upper leg and a lower leg. The upper leg of the flank forms the top side 43 a. The lower leg forms the underside 42 a. The top side 43 a and the underside 42 a therefore form a portion of the wall of the application volume 29 a. A hair that has been introduced into the application gap 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a therefore enters the application volume 29 a, which is partially enclosed by the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a.

The application volume 29 a and the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a transition into one another in a subregion 30 a. The subregion 30 a extends in the direction of the head line 40 a starting from the baseline 41 a.

The application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a have an application size that is intended for separating the hairs. The bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a, which are provided for guiding the hairs to be left untreated past the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a, have a bypass size that is larger at least by a factor of 4 than the application size of the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a. The number of hairs onto which the application agent is applied upon passing through the separation unit 11 a is therefore greater at least by a factor of 20 than the number of hairs that remain untreated, i.e. for each treated hair there are at least 20 untreated hairs. The application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a have an opening width 21 a that is greater at least by a factor of 5 than an opening width 22 a of the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a. In FIG. 2, only the opening width 21 a of the application gap 13 a and the opening width 22 a of the bypass space 16 a are provided with a reference character.

A gap width 62 a of the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a is constant along the entire depth of the application gap 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a. The opening width 21 a of the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a at the head line 40 a is greater than the gap width 62 a. In the region of the head line 40 a, the opening width 21 a transitions continuously into the gap width 62 a. The application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a have the gap width 62 a in the region of the baseline 41 a in particular. The opposing flanks of adjacent separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a extend parallel to one another. The gap width 62 a of the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a is between 0.4 millimeter and 0.7 millimeter. Basically the gap width can also be less than 0.4 millimeter.

The opening width 22 a of the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a is greatest in the region of the head line 40 a. The opening width 22 a of the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a decreases successively in the direction of the baseline 41 a. In the region of the head line 40 a in particular, the opening width 22 a of the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a is greater approximately by a factor of 20 than the opening width 21 a of the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a. A distance between the two tips of one of the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a is therefore greater by a factor of 5 or more than the distance between opposing tips of adjacent separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a.

The gap width 62 a of the application gap 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a is less than a barrier width beyond which the application agent 10 a is prevented from emerging due to adhesive forces. The application agent 10 a has a surface tension resulting from the adhesive forces. The gap width 62 a of the application gap 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a is so small in the subregion 30 a, in which the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a and the application volume 29 a transition into one another, that properties of the application agent 10 a, such as surface tension, adhesion or cohesion, prevent the application agent 10 a from emerging from the application volume 29 a during non-use, i.e. in particular during storage.

The application volume 29 a occupies only a portion of the volume occupied by the housing unit 32 a. In addition to the application volume 29 a, the applicator device comprises a depot volume 31 a, which is connected to the application volume 29 a. The depot volume 31 a occupies a portion of the housing unit 32 a that adjoins the separation unit 11 a.

The portion of the housing unit 32 a formed as the depot volume 31 a is designed as a handle. The applicator device is intended for use with one hand. A user who would like to guide the applicator device through hairs grips the housing unit 32 a in the region in which the depot volume 31 a is disposed.

The housing unit 32 a is made of an inelastic plastic. The dimensionally stable housing unit 32 a prevents the application agent 10 a from being pressed out via the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a during use, in particular when the housing unit 32 a is gripped by the operator. The housing unit 32 a is rigid.

The depot volume 31 a and the application volume 29 a are decoupled from one another at least partially with respect to flow. A separating unit 33 a is disposed between the depot volume 31 a and the application volume 29 a. In a region in which the depot volume 31 a adjoins the application volume 29 a, the inner contour 44 a of the housing unit 32 a has a constriction, through which the application agent 10 a can autonomously flow only under certain circumstances, due to the adhesive forces thereof. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner contour 44 a of the housing unit 32 a has two opposing shoulders 46 a, 47 a, which form the constriction. The two shoulders 46 a, 47 a are separated by a distance of approximately 4 millimeters in this exemplary embodiment.

The constriction forms a passage opening 48 a. The application agent 10 a can flow from the depot volume 31 a into the application volume 29 a through the passage opening 48 a. The passage opening 48 a is shaped as a slit in this exemplary embodiment. The passage opening 48 a has an extension, perpendicularly to the transverse extension direction 39 a, which corresponds to the distance between the two shoulders 46 a, 47 a. Parallel to the transverse extension direction 39 a, the passage opening 48 a has an extension that is substantially greater than the extension perpendicular to the transverse extension direction 39 a. The extension of the passage opening 48 a parallel to the transverse extension direction 39 a is greater than 1 centimeter. It is approximately 2.5 centimeters in the exemplary embodiment shown. The passage opening 48 a can basically have other shapes as well. In particular, an embodiment having a plurality of adjacently disposed passage openings, in the form of holes, for example, is also feasible.

The applicator device comprises a pump unit 34 a in order to convey the application agent 10 a from the depot volume 31 a into the application volume 29 a, or to at least support automatic filling of the application volume 29 a. The pump unit 34 a comprises a movable pump element 35 a, which is provided to induce a turbulent flow or vibrations at least in the region of the separating unit 33 a.

The pump element 35 a is installed in the depot volume 31 a in a freely movable manner. The pump element 35 a is designed as a sphere. The pump element 35 a has a diameter that is greater than the extension of the passage opening 48 a perpendicular to the transverse extension direction. The pump element 35 a therefore cannot reach the application volume 29 a from the depot volume 31 a via the passage opening 48 a.

In addition, an additional pump element can be disposed in the application volume 29 a. Alternatively it is also feasible for the pump element 35 a to have an extension that allows it to travel through the passage opening 48 a into the application volume.

The pump element 35 a is a mixing element. Movement of the pump element 35 a in the depot volume 31 a induces a turbulent flow in the depot volume 31 a, by way of which the application agent 10 a is mixed. The pump element 35 a is moved by a user who moves the housing unit 32 a with a shaking motion. It is therefore possible to carry out a mixing procedure, in particular of a multiple-component agent, within the housing unit 32 a.

For filling, the housing unit 32 a comprises a refilling opening and the applicator device comprises a closing element 37 a that closes the refilling opening 36 a. The entire applicator device is reusable, i.e. the closing element 37 a in particular can be used multiple times. Basically it is also feasible to design the applicator device partially or entirely as a disposable product.

The refilling opening 36 a has a diameter that is greater than an extension of the pump element 35 a. When the applicator device is manufactured, the pump element 35 a can therefore be installed in the housing unit 32 a through the refilling opening 36 a after the housing unit 32 a has been completely formed. The housing unit 32 a is preferably manufactured in a single production step via thermoplastic deformation of a crude part. Basically it is also feasible, however, to initially design the housing unit 32 a having multiple components, which are subsequently joined via a suitable connection procedure to form one component. Individual parts are preferably connected to one another in a bonded manner, and so the housing unit 32 a is one piece.

The applicator device is guided through the hair in order to apply the application agent 10 a. Due to the design of the separation unit 11 a, the application agent 10 a is applied to one of 20 hairs at most. The separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a separate the hairs while the applicator device is guided through the hairs. The first portion of the hairs is guided through the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a. The second portion comes to rest in the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a. If the applicator device is guided through more hairs than the bypass spaces 17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a and the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a can accommodate, some of the hairs pass under the applicator device or over the applicator device.

Some of the hairs that are introduced into the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a enter the application volume 29 a. The application agent 10 a is therefore not applied to all the hairs that are disposed in the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a. The application agent 10 a is applied only to individual hairs, i.e. after the applicator device is used, only a few hairs of a strand comprising a plurality of hairs are provided with the application agent 10 a.

The application device comprises a cover unit 49 a for transport or storage. The cover unit 49 a is intended to be slid onto the separation unit 11 a. The cover unit 49 a, having been placed on the separation unit 11 a, encloses and/or closes the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a. The cover unit 49 a has a width, which is smaller, at least in subregions, than a width of the separation unit 11 a oriented along the transverse extension direction 39 a. In an installed state, the cover unit 49 a applies a force onto the outer separating elements 23 a, 28 a that is oriented in the direction of the central separating elements 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a.

The separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a are partially flexible. The outer separating elements 23 a, 28 a and the adjoining separating elements 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a are bent inward by way of the installed cover unit 49 a. When the cover unit 49 a is installed, the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a therefore have a gap width that is almost zero. The cover unit 49 a prevents the application agent 10 a from emerging by compressing the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a and by enclosing the separation unit 11 a.

The separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a have flexibility such that they are intended to be deformed coley by a force that acts on the separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a when the applicator device is guided through the hairs. When the applicator device is guided through the hairs, the individual application gaps can therefore have a different gap width. Basically, the gap width of the application gaps 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a can also be changed from the outside, for example via a force applied from the outside onto the flexible separating elements 23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a.

Two further exemplary embodiments of the invention are depicted in FIGS. 3 through 5. The descriptions that follow are substantially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein reference can be made to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with respect to components, features and functions that remain the same. In order to differentiate the exemplary embodiments, the letter “a” in the reference characters used for the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is replaced by the letters “b” and “c” in the reference characters for the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 through 5. It is also basically possible to refer to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with respect to components that remain the same, in particular with respect to components having the same reference characters.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of an applicator device for applying an application agent 10 b to hair. The applicator device comprises a separation unit 11 b, which has a comb-like structure having a plurality of application gaps 13 b, only some of which are shown and which are intended for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent 10 b, and having a plurality of bypass spaces, which are intended for guiding some of the hairs past the application gap 13 b. Similar to the application gaps that are not shown in greater detail, the application gap 13 b has an application size that is larger at least by a factor of 5 than a bypass size of the bypass spaces.

The separation unit 11 b comprises a plurality of separating elements 25 b, of which only a few are shown as well. One of the application gaps 13 b is disposed between every two separating elements 25 b. The applicator device further comprises a housing unit 32 b. The housing unit 32 b and the separating elements 25 b enclose an application volume 29 b, into which the hairs enter upon entering the application gap 13 b. The application gaps 13 b, only some of which are shown, transition into the application volume 29 b in a subregion 30 b. In addition, the housing unit 32 b encloses a depot volume 31 b.

The housing unit 32 b has a droplet-shaped inner contour 44 b, which can be depicted schematically by a circular part and a triangular part. The circular part forms the depot volume 31 b. The triangular part forms the application volume 29 b.

The applicator device comprises a separating unit 33 b for partially decoupling the application volume 29 b from the depot volume 31 b. The separating unit 33 b comprises separating elements 50 b, 51 b, which are mounted on the housing unit 32 b. The separating elements 50 b, 51 b form a constriction. The application agent 10 b is prevented from flowing out of the application volume 29 b back into the depot volume 31 b in particular by way of the separating elements.

The separating elements 50 b, 51 b form a labyrinth structure. The separating elements 50 b, 51 b are formed as web-like structures that are mounted on the housing unit 32 b. The two separating elements 50 b, 51 b are disposed opposite one another on the inner contour 44 b of the housing unit 32 b. They are integral with the housing unit 32 b.

In contrast to the previous exemplary embodiment, a pump unit was omitted in the applicator device shown. It is also basically feasible to install a pump element in the depot volume that is preferably designed as a sphere and is freely movable in the depot volume 31 b.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a third embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention. The applicator device is provided for the simultaneous application of different application agents 10 c, 52 c onto hair. The applicator device comprises a separation unit 11 c, which has a comb-like structure. The separation unit 11 c comprises a plurality of application gaps 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c, which are provided for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent 10 c, 52 c, and a plurality of bypass spaces 17 c, 18 c, 19 c, 20 c, which are provided for guiding some of the hairs past the application gaps 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c. The application gaps 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c have an application size that is larger at least by a factor of 5 than a bypass size of the bypass spaces.

The separation unit 11 c comprises a plurality of separating elements 23 c, 24 c, 25 c, 26 c, 27 c, 28 c. One of the application gaps 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c is disposed between every two separating elements 23 c, 24 c, 25 c, 26 c, 27 c, 28 c. The applicator device further comprises a housing unit 32 c. The housing unit 32 c encloses a plurality of depot volumes 31 c, 53 c, into which the different application agents 10 c, 52 c are introduced. The different application agents 10 c, 52 c are in the form of different tints. Basically, however, highly diverse application agents can be applied to the hair simultaneously.

The housing unit 32 c of the application device, which is integral with the separation unit 11 c, has an L-shaped form. The housing unit 32 c comprises a short leg, which forms the separation unit 11 c, and a long leg, in which the depot volumes 31 c, 53 c are disposed. The depot volumes 31 c, 53 c are therefore disposed at a distance from the separation unit 11 c, in which the application agents 10 c, 52 c are applied to the hair.

The applicator device comprises a guiding unit 54 c for applying the application agents 10 c, 52 c introduced into the depot volumes 31 c, 53 c onto the portion of the hairs that pass through the application gaps 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c. The guiding unit 54 c is provided for guiding the application agents 10 c, 52 c from the depot volumes 31 c, 53 c to the hairs disposed in the separation unit 11 c. The guiding unit 54 c comprises a plurality of application points 55 c, 56 c, 57 c, 58 c, 59 c and a plurality of channels 60 c, 61 c. Each of the channels 60 c, 61 c connects one of the depot volumes 31 c, 53 c to the application points 55 c, 56 c, 57 c, 58 c, 59 c assigned to the corresponding depot volume 31 c, 53 c. The application points 55 c, 56 c, 57 c, 58 c, 59 c are all disposed on a baseline 41 c of the separating elements 23 c, 24 c, 25 c, 26 c, 27 c, 28 c of the separation unit 11 c.

The channels 60 c, 61 c have a mean diameter that is greater than a barrier width. The different application agents 10 c, 52 c flow therethrough nearly unobstructed from the depot volumes 31 c, 53 c to the application points 55 c, 56 c, 57 c, 58 c, 59 c. Since the application gaps 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c have a gap width that is smaller than the barrier width, the application agents 10 c, 52 c fill the application gaps 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c only in the region of the application points 55 c, 56 c, 57 c, 58 c, 59 c. When the applicator device is guided through, some of the hairs are separated and introduced into different application gaps 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c in which the two application agents are then applied to the hairs

In an alternative embodiment, which is not shown in greater detail, the channels are formed using a porous material, which is intended to direct the different application agents. Wicking materials, such as fibrous materials, for example, are feasible as porous material. As an alternative, however, a sintered material or another material that appears suitable to a person skilled in the art can be used.

The depot volumes 31 c 2, 53 c of the application unit are refillable. The applicator device comprises a refilling opening 36 c and a closing element 37 c for the refilling opening.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS

-   10 application agent -   11 separation unit -   12 application gap -   13 application gap -   14 application gap -   15 application gap -   16 application gap -   17 bypass space -   18 bypass space -   19 bypass space -   20 bypass space -   21 opening width -   22 opening width -   23 separating element -   24 separating element -   25 separating element -   26 separating element -   27 separating element -   28 separating element -   29 application volume -   30 subregion -   31 depot volume -   32 housing unit -   33 separating unit -   34 pump unit -   35 pump element -   36 refilling opening -   37 closing element -   38 usage direction -   39 transverse extension direction -   40 head line -   41 baseline -   42 underside -   43 top side -   44 inner contour -   45 outer contour -   46 shoulder -   47 shoulder -   48 passage opening -   49 cover unit -   50 separating element -   51 separating element -   52 application agent -   53 depot volume -   54 guiding unit -   55 application point -   56 application point -   57 application point -   58 application point -   59 application point -   60 channel -   61 channel -   62 gap width 

1. An applicator device for applying at least one application agent (10 a; 10 b; 10 c, 52 c) to hairs, comprising a separation unit (11 a; 11 b; 11 c), which forms at least two application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c), which are intended for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent (10 a; 10 b; 10 c, 52 c), characterized in that at least one of the application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c) has an opening width that is smaller at least by a factor of 10 than a distance between the application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c).
 2. The applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening width of the at least one application gap (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c) is intended for separating hairs.
 3. The applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the separation unit (11 a; 11 b; 11 c) has a comb-like structure having at least one bypass space (17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a; 17 c, 18 c, 19 c, 20 c), which is provided for guiding some of the hairs past at least one of the application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c).
 4. The applicator device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c) has an application size that is smaller at least by a factor of 2 than a bypass size of the at least one bypass space (17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a; 17 c, 18 c, 19 c, 20 c).
 5. The applicator device according to claim 3, characterized in that the opening width of the at least one of the application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c) is smaller at least by a factor of 10 than an opening width of the at least one bypass space (17 a, 18 a, 19 a, 20 a; 17 c, 18 c, 19 c, 20 c).
 6. The applicator device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the application gaps has a gap width (62 a), in at least one subregion (30 a), that is smaller than a barrier width beyond which the application agent (10 a; 10 b; 10 c, 52 c) is prevented from emerging.
 7. An applicator device for applying an application agent (10 a; 10 b) to hairs, comprising a separation unit (11 a _(;) 11 b), which has at least two separating elements (23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a; 25 b), which form at least one application gap (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b), which is provided for receiving hairs for the application of the application agent (10 a; 10 b), characterized by at least one application volume (29 a; 29 b) enclosed at least partially by at least one of the separating elements (23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a; 25 b), which is provided for receiving at least some of the hairs introduced into the application gap (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b).
 8. The applicator device according to claim 7, characterized in that the application volume (29 a; 29 b) and the at least one application gap (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b) transition into one another at least in a subregion (30 a; 30 b).
 9. The applicator device according to claim 7, characterized by at least one further separating element (23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a; 25 b) and at least one further application gap (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b), which transitions into the application volume (29 a; 29 b) in at least one subregion (30 a; 30 b).
 10. The applicator device according to claim 7, characterized by a depot volume (31 a; 31 b), which is connected to the application volume (29 a; 29 b).
 11. The applicator device according to claim 7, characterized by a substantially dimensionally stable housing unit (32 a; 32 b), which is provided for preventing excess pressure of the application agent (10 a; 10 b) at least during use.
 12. The applicator device according to claim 10, characterized by a separating unit (33 a; 33 b), which is provided for at least partially decoupling the application volume (29 a; 29 b) from the depot volume (31 a; 31 b) with respect to flow.
 13. The applicator device at least according to claim 10, characterized by a pump unit (34 a) comprising at least one pump element (35 a), which is freely movable within the depot volume (31 a) and is provided for at least supporting the filling of the application volume (29 a) with the application agent (10 a).
 14. The applicator device according to claim 7, characterized by a refilling opening (36 a; 36 c) and a closing element (37 a; 37 c), which is provided for closing the refilling opening.
 15. An applicator device for applying an application agent (10 a; 10 b) to hairs, comprising a separation unit (11 a; 11 b), which comprises at least two separating unit (23 a, 24 a, 25 a, 26 a, 27 a, 28 a; 25 b), which form at least one application gap (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b), which is provided for receiving hairs for the application of the application agent (10 a; 10 b), characterized in that the application gap has a gap width (62 a) in at least one subregion (30 a) that is smaller than 1.0 millimeter.
 16. A method for applying an application agent (10 a; 10 b; 10 c, 52 c) to hairs, in which an application agent (10 a; 10 b; 10 c, 52 c) is applied to some of the hairs as the hairs pass through a separation unit (11 a; 11 b, 11 c), and in which some of the hairs are guided past the application gap (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c), characterized in that the application agent (10 a; 10 b; 52 c) is applied to one of 10 hairs at the most, in particular a method having an applicator device comprising a separation unit (11 a; 11 b; 11 c), which forms at least two application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c), which are intended for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent (10 a; 10 b; 10 c, 52 c), characterized in that at least one of the application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c) has an opening width that is smaller at least by a factor of 10 than a distance between the application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c).
 17. A method for applying an application agent (10) to hairs, in which an application agent (10 a; 10 b) is applied to some of the hairs by the hairs being guided through at least one application gap (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b), characterized in that at least some of the hairs enter an application volume (29 a; 29 b) upon passage through the application gap (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13), in particular a method having an applicator device comprising a separation unit (11 a; 11 b; 11 c), which forms at least two application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c), which are intended for receiving some of the hairs for the application of the application agent (10 a; 10 b; 10 c, 52 c), characterized in that at least one of the application gaps (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c) has an opening width that is smaller at least by a factor of 10 than a distance between the application gabs (12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 15 a, 16 a; 13 b; 12 c, 13 c, 14 c, 15 c, 16 c). 